Networking communication adapter

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses, systems, and methods are described that provide improved networking communication systems and associated adapters. An example networking communication adapter includes an adapter housing defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is configured to engage an Octal Small Form Factor Pluggable (OSFP) connector, and the second end is configured to receive a Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable Double Density (QSFP-DD) transceiver therein. The networking communication adapter further includes an inner connector positioned within the adapter housing. In an operational configuration in which the first end engages the OSFP connector and the second end receives the QSFP-DD transceiver, the inner connector operably connects the QSFP-DD transceiver with the OSFP connector such that signals may pass therebetween.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/077,089, filed Oct. 22, 2020, the disclosure of which application isherein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Example embodiments of the present invention relate generally tocommunication systems and, more particularly, to networkingcommunication adapters.

BACKGROUND

Datacenters and other networking environments may include connectionsbetween switch systems, servers, racks, and other devices in order toprovide for signal transmission between one or more of these elements.Such connections may be made using cables, transceivers, networkingboxes, modules, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and connector assemblies,each of which may have a different size, shape, form factor, or the likeas defined by applicable regulations or standards.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Apparatuses, systems, and associated methods of manufacturing areprovided for improved networking communication systems. An examplenetworking communication adapter may include an adapter housing defininga first end configured to engage an Octal Small Form Factor Pluggable(OSFP) connector. The adapter housing may further define a second endopposite the first end configured to receive a Quad Small Form FactorPluggable Double Density (QSFP-DD) transceiver therein. The networkingcommunication adapter may further include an inner connector positionedwithin the adapter housing and configured to, in an operationalconfiguration in which the first end engages the OSFP connector and thesecond end receives the QSFP-DD transceiver, operably connect theQSFP-DD transceiver with the OSFP connector such that signals may passtherebetween.

In some embodiments, the inner connector may further include a printedcircuit board (PCB) proximate the first end of the adapter housingconfigured to, in the operational configuration, operably connect theinner connector with the OSFP connector. In such an embodiment, theinner connector may further include a QSFP-DD connector proximate thesecond end of the adapter housing, configured to, in the operationalconfiguration, operably couple the inner connector with the QSFP-DDtransceiver.

In some further embodiments, the QSFP-DD connector may be configured toreceive a corresponding PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver such that the PCBof the inner connector and the PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver aresubstantially aligned.

In other embodiments, the QSFP-DD connector may be configured to receivea corresponding PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver such that the PCB of theinner connector and the PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver are coplanar.

In some embodiments, the inner connector may further includeconnectivity circuitry configured to determine the presence of anoncompliant transceiver received by the second end of the adapterhousing and preclude communication between the OSFP connector and thenoncompliant transceiver. In such an embodiment, the noncomplianttransceiver may include a Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable (QSFP), QuadSmall Form Factor Pluggable+ (QSFP+), Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable28 (QSFP28), Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable 56 (QSFP56) transceiver,or Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable 112 (QSFP112) transceiver. Some ofthe aforementioned transceivers may be defined by applicablemulti-source agreements (MSAs) or standards. The present disclosure,however, contemplates that a noncompliant transceiver as describedherein may refer to a transceiver that has the same size (e.g., formfactor) and connectivity (e.g., connection pads) as a QSFP transceiver.

In some further embodiments, the QSFP-DD connector may further include aplurality of legacy connection pads and a plurality of QSFP-DDconnections pads configured to, in an operational configuration,operably connect the QSFP-DD transceiver with the inner connector. Insuch an embodiment, the connectivity circuitry may be configured todetermine the presence of the noncompliant transceiver by identifying anabsence of connectivity associated with at least one QSFP-DD connectionpad.

An example method for network communications is also provided. Themethod may include monitoring a second end of an adapter housing,wherein the second end is configured to receive a Quad Small Form FactorPluggable Double Density (QSFP-DD) transceiver therein. The method mayfurther include determining the presence of a noncompliant transceiverreceived by the second end of the adapter housing and precludingcommunication between the noncompliant transceiver and a first end ofthe adapter housing configured to engage an Octal Small Form FactorPluggable (OSFP) connector.

In some embodiments, monitoring the second end of the adapter housingmay further include monitoring a plurality of legacy connection pads anda plurality of QSFP-DD connection pads of a QSFP-DD connector positionedproximate the second end of the adapter housing.

In some further embodiments, precluding communication between thenoncompliant transceiver and the first end of the adapter housing mayfurther include grounding a connection to at least one legacy connectionpad.

In any network communication method embodiment, the noncomplianttransceiver may include a Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable (QSFP), QuadSmall Form Factor Pluggable+ (QSFP+), Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable28 (QSFP28), or Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable 56 (QSFP56)transceiver.

The above summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing someexample embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects ofthe invention. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that theabove-described embodiments are merely examples and should not beconstrued to narrow the scope or spirit of the invention in any way. Itwill be appreciated that the scope of the invention encompasses manypotential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some ofwhich will be further described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having described certain example embodiments of the present disclosurein general terms above, reference will now be made to the accompanyingdrawings. The components illustrated in the figures may or may not bepresent in certain embodiments described herein. Some embodiments mayinclude fewer (or more) components than those shown in the figures.

FIGS. 1A-1B are perspective views of a networking communication adapteraccording to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the networking communication adapter ofFIGS. 1A-1B according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the networking communication adapterof FIG. 1B according to an example embodiment;

FIGS. 4A-4B are top and bottom views, respectively, illustratingconnection pads of a QSFP-DD connector according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for networkcommunications according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a circuitry diagram of example connectivity circuitryaccording to an example embodiment; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing anetworking communication adapter according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings in which some but not allembodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As usedherein, terms such as “front,” “rear,” “top,” etc. are used forexplanatory purposes in the examples provided below to describe therelative position of certain components or portions of components.Furthermore, as would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art inlight of the present disclosure, the terms “substantially” and“approximately” indicate that the referenced element or associateddescription is accurate to within applicable engineering tolerances.

As noted above and described hereafter, networking systems, such asthose found in datacenters, may establish inter-rack connections betweenracks and intra-rack connections between networking boxes, PCBs, and thelike located within the same rack. These connections often rely upontransceivers, processors, chipsets, PCBs, connectors, networking cables,and associated communication system components that are constrained byregulations (e.g., industry standards or the like) that regulate theoverall size of these components, define the shape of these components,and/or specify the types of connections between components. By way ofexample, emerging transceivers/modules such as Octal Small Form FactorPluggable (OSFP) and Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable Double Density(QSFP-DD) transceivers/modules employ eight (8) high speed electricallanes that increase system bandwidth and data transmission as comparedto prior legacy transceivers/modules. OSFP connectors are configured toengage an OSFP transceiver/module and are dimensioned (e.g., sized andshaped) according to associated OSFP regulations. QSFP-DDtransceivers/modules are also dimensioned (e.g., sized and shaped)according to associated QSFP-DD regulations, resulting in a differentsize and form factor as between OSFP and QSFP-DD transceivers/modules.The size of an OSFP connector, for example, is wider and deeper thanthat of a QSDP-DD transceiver/module, resulting in connector interfacingissues in networking environments. In order to address these issues andothers, the devices of the present disclosure provide a networkingcommunication adapter that physically and electrically connects an OSFPconnector and a QSFP-DD transceiver such that signals may passtherebetween.

Furthermore, QSFP-DD connectors may also provide for backwardscompatibility in that legacy transceivers (e.g., prior hardwarecomponents that have been superseded in functionality) may be physicallyinserted into a QSFP-DD connector and may be operable. By way ofexample, Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable (QSFP), Quad Small Form FactorPluggable+ (QSFP+), Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable 28 (QSFP28), andQuad Small Form Factor Pluggable 56 (QSFP56) transceivers employ four(4) high speed electrical lanes but may be received by a QSFP-DDconnector and operate with these four (4) electrical lanes. Althoughoperable, receipt of a legacy transceiver/module (e.g., QSFP, QSFP+,QSFP28, QSFP56, etc.) by a QSFP-DD connector results in a reducedoperating capacity for the QSFP-DD connector due to utilization of onlya subset of available connection pads offered by the QSFP-DD connector.Said differently, the backwards compatibility of current QSFP-DDconnectors may result in reduced bandwidth in networking applications byunderutilizing available connectivity resources. In order to addressthese issues and others, the devices of the present disclosure provideconnectivity circuitry disposed within the networking communicationadapter that identifies a noncompliant transceiver/module (e.g., asuboptimal legacy transceiver) and precludes operation of the networkingcommunication adapter with the noncompliant transceiver/module. In doingso, the embodiments of the present application may reduce theinefficiencies of traditional networking connections while alsoproviding new functionality associated with adapting OSFP and QSFP-DDconnections.

Although described herein with reference to a network connection betweena QSFP-DD transceiver and an OSFP connector, the present disclosurecontemplates that the features and functionality described herein mayalso be applicable to adapters used with connections between other typesof transceivers and connectors. By way of example, an adapter configuredto receive a small form factor pluggable double density (SFP-DD)transceiver would necessarily prevent operation with a QSFP transceiver(e.g., a noncompliant transceiver) due to the physical differences(e.g., different form factors) between these types of connections. Saiddifferently, a QSFP transceiver may not be physically or electricallyconnected with an SFP-DD connector. The present disclosure, however,contemplates that an adapter for use with, for example, an SFP-DDtransceiver may similarly be configured as described herein to precludeoperation of such an adapter with a noncompliant transceiver (e.g., anytransceiver other than an SFP-DD transceiver).

Networking Communication Adapter

With reference to FIGS. 1A-1B, a networking system 100 is illustrated.As shown, the example networking system 100 may include a networkingcommunication adapter 200, a QSFP-DD transceiver 102, and associatednetworking cable 104. As described hereafter with reference to FIGS. 2-3, the networking communication adapter 200 (e.g., adapter 200) mayinclude an adapter housing 202 that defines a first end 204 and a secondend 206 opposite the first end 204. The first end 204 may be configuredto engage or otherwise physically connect the adapter housing 202 withan OSFP connector (not shown). As described above, applicable OSFPregulations or standards may define the physical dimensions, size, andshape of OSFP transceiver/modules and associated OSFP connectorsconfigured to receive OSFP transceiver/modules. As such, the first end204 of the adapter housing 202 may be dimensioned (e.g., sized andshaped) to comply with the regulations or standards that govern OSFPconnections. In an operational configuration, the first end 204 mayprovide physical engagement between the adapter housing 202 and an OSFPconnector (not shown).

With continued reference to FIGS. 1A-1B, the second end 206 of theadapter housing 202 may be configured to engage or otherwise physicallyconnect the adapter housing 202 with an QSFP-DD transceiver 102. Inparticular, the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202 may beconfigured to receive the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 inserted therein. Asdescribed above, applicable QSFP-DD regulations or standards may definethe physical dimensions, size, and shape of QSFP-DD transceiver/modulesand associated QSFP-DD connectors configured to receive QSFP-DDtransceiver/modules. As such, the second end 206 of the adapter housing202 may be dimensioned (e.g., sized and shaped) to comply with theregulations or standards that govern QSFP-DD connections. As shown inFIG. 1A, the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 may include a networking cable 104(e.g., transmission medium) attached thereto so as to provide signaltransmission between the networking communication adapter 200 andcomponents (not shown) positioned on opposite ends of the networkingcable 104. In an operational configuration, as shown in FIG. 1B, thesecond end 206 may provide physical engagement between the adapterhousing 202 and the QSFP-DD transceiver 102.

With reference to FIGS. 2-3 , exploded and cross-sectional views,respectively, of the networking communication adapter 200 areillustrated. As shown, the adapter housing 202 may, in some embodiments,include a bottom backshell 203, a top backshell 201, and an inner cage208. The bottom backshell 203 may engage or otherwise connect with thetop backshell 201 to substantially enclose the components describedherein. The combined bottom backshell 203 and top backshell 201 mayfurther support the inner cage 208 within the adapter housing 202. Theinner cage 208 may be configured to, in the operational configurationillustrated in FIGS. 1B and 3 , support at least a portion of theQSFP-DD transceiver 102 within the adapter housing 202. As such, theinner cage 208 may be dimensioned (e.g., sized and shaped) as defined byapplicable regulations and standards to receive a QSFP-DD transceiver102 therein. The bottom backshell 203 and the top backshell 201 may beconnected via one or more engagement elements (e.g., screws, tabs,fasteners, or the like). Although illustrated with two (2) threadedelements (e.g., screws), the present disclosure contemplates that anymechanism or element configured to secure the bottom backshell 203 tothe top backshell 201 may be used based upon the intended application ofthe adapter housing 202.

The network communication adapter 200 may further include a heat sink216 and spring members 218 configured to dissipate heat generated by thenetworking components described herein. The heat sink 216 may define aplurality of fins, pins, or other heat dissipation elements that, insome embodiments, extend along a length of the heat sink 216. The springmembers 218 may be configured to secure the heat sink 216 to the topbackshell 201 and may further urge contact between the heat sink 216 andthe QSFP-DD transceiver 102 received by the adapter housing 202 via thesecond end 206. By way of example, in the operational configuration, theQSFP-DD transceiver 102 within the adapter housing 202, other circuitrycomponents (e.g., connectivity circuitry described hereafter), and/orengagement with the OSFP connector (not shown) may generate heat duringperformance of the operations described herein. As such, the heat sink216 may serve to dissipate heat generated by these components in orderto reduce the thermal load of the components. Although illustrated anddescribed herein with reference to a heat sink 216 that defines aplurality of longitudinal fins, the present disclosure contemplates thatany heat dissipation element or form of heat dissipation (e.g.,conductive, convective, etc.) may be used by the networkingcommunication adapter 200.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2-3 , the networking communicationadapter 200 may include an inner connector 210 positioned within theadapter housing 202. The inner connector 210 may, in the operationalconfiguration in which the first end 204 engages the OSFP connector (notshown) and the second end 206 receives the QSFP-DD transceiver 102,operably connect the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 with the OSFP connector(not shown) such that signals may pass therebetween. The adapter housing202 may provide for the physical connection between the OSFP connector(not shown) and the QSFP-DD transceiver 102, but the inner connector 210may electrically connect these components for signal transmission.

The inner connector 210 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 212proximate the first end 204 of the adapter housing 202. In an instancein which the first end 204 of the adapter housing 202 engages the OSFPconnector (not shown), the PCB 212 may be configured to operably connectthe inner connecter 210 with the OSFP connector (not shown). By way ofexample, the PCB 212 may define a plurality of electrical contacts,connection pads, traces, or the like configured to provide electricalcommunication between the PCB 212 and the OSFP connector (not shown) inthe operational configuration. The PCB 212 may further be positioned bythe inner connector 210 proximate the first end 204 of the adapterhousing 202 so as to be received by or otherwise electrically connectwith corresponding electrical contacts, connection pads, traces, or thelike of the OSFP connector (not shown). Said differently, the physicalengagement between the first end 204 of the adapter housing 202 and theOSFP connector (not shown) positions the PCB 212 of the inner connector210 for receipt by a corresponding connection of the OSFP connector (notshown).

The inner connector may further include a QSFP-DD connector 214proximate the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202, configured to,in the operational configuration, operably couple the inner connector210 with the QSFP-DD transceiver 102. In an instance in which the secondend 206 of the adapter housing 202 receives the QSFP-DD transceiver 102as illustrated in FIG. 3 , the QSFP-DD connector 214 may be configuredto operably connect the inner connector 210 with the QSFP-DD transceiver102. By way of example, the QSFP-DD connector 214 may include aplurality of electrical connection pads as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4Bconfigured to provide electrical communication between the QSFP-DDconnector 214 and the QSFP-DD transceiver 102. The QSFP-DD connector 214may be at least partially disposed within the inner cage 208 proximatethe second end 206 of the adapter housing 202 such that physicalengagement between the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202 (e.g.,the inner cage 208) and the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 positions theQSFP-DD connector 214 of the inner connector 210 for receipt of acorresponding printed circuit board (PCB) 106 of the QSFP-DD transceiver102. As described hereafter with reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, the QSFP-DDconnector 214 may define a plurality of connection pads on oppositesurfaces (e.g., a top and bottom surface) of the QSFP-DD connector 214so as to electrically connect with opposing sides of the PCB 106 of theQSFP-DD transceiver 102 received therein.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 , the QSFP-DD connector 214 maybe configured to receive the corresponding PCB 106 of the QSFP-DDtransceiver 102 such that the PCB 212 of the inner connector 210 and thePCB 106 of the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 are substantially aligned. Inconventional networking connections, the dimensions specified byapplicable standards or regulations often result in misalignment betweenPCBs (e.g., PCBs located at differing heights within a housing) suchthat additional components are necessary to electrically connect thesePCBs. By way of example, the dimensions of a QSFP module (e.g., a legacytransceiver) as defined by associated QSFP standards results in a heightdiscrepancy or misalignment between the PCB of the legacy transceiverand the PCB of an associated connector. In order to bridge thisdiscrepancy, traditional networking connections have relied uponflexible circuit boards, stepped/milled circuit boards, and/oradditional specialized cables. Each of these conventional techniques,however, increase the overall cost of the networking component whilefurther introducing additional modes of failure. The networkingcommunication adapter 200 described herein, however, is configured toposition these respective PCBs (e.g., PCB 212 of the inner connector 210and the PCB 106 of the QSFP-DD transceiver 102) in alignment (e.g.,without a difference in height). In doing so, the networkingcommunication adapter 200 may remove the need for additional networkingcomponents within the adapter housing 202.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the QSFP-DD connector 214 isconfigured to receive a corresponding PCB 106 of the QSFP-DD transceiver102 such that the PCB 212 of the inner connector 210 and the PCB 106 ofthe QSFP-DD transceiver 106 are substantially aligned. As describedherein, substantial alignment may refer to placement of the PCB 106 andthe PCB 212 along a common line (e.g., at the same height). In somefurther embodiments, the QSFP-DD connector 214 may be configured toreceive the corresponding PCB 106 of the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 moreexactly, such that the PCB 212 of the inner connector 210 and the PCB106 of the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 are coplanar. As described herein,coplanar may refer to the positioning of PCB 106 and the PCB 212 in acommon plane. In order to provide this improved alignment, thenetworking communication adapter 200 described herein may, in someinstances, be configured such that the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 receivedby the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202 extends beyond an outeredge of the second end 206 as shown in FIG. 3 . Said differently, theinner cage 208, inner connector 210, and/or second end 206 may bedimensioned such that at least a portion of the QSFP-DD transceiver 102is disposed outside of the adapter housing 202. In doing so, thenetworking communication adapter 200 may ensure the necessary spacewithin the adapter housing 202 to provide substantial alignment, and insome cases coplanar alignment, between the PCB 106 and the PCB 212.

With reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, top and bottom views, respectively, ofconnection pads of the QSFP-DD connector 214 are illustrated. As shown,each major surface of the QSFP-DD connector 214 may include a pluralityof legacy connection pads 402 and a plurality of QSFP-DD connection pads404. The plurality of legacy connections pads 402 may be configured tooperably connect a plurality of transmission channels (e.g., four (4)electrical channels found in QSFP-DD transceivers and legacytransceivers) of the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 with the inner connector210. The plurality of QSFP-DD connections 404 may be configured tooperably connect a plurality of transmission channels (e.g., four (4)electrical channels found only in QSFP-DD transceivers) of the QSFP-DDtransceiver 102 with the inner connector 210. Notwithstanding theconnection preclusion techniques described hereafter, insertion of alegacy transceiver (e.g., a QSFP transceiver, a QSFP+ transceiver, aQSFP28 transceiver, or a QSFP56 transceiver) results in connection withonly the plurality of legacy connection pads 402. Said differently,legacy transceivers fail to include transmission lanes for connectingwith the QSFP-DD pads 404.

As described hereafter with reference to an example networkcommunication and associated connection preclusion, the inner connector210 may further include connectivity circuitry configured to, in theoperational configuration, enable signal transmission between the OSFPconnector (not shown) and the QSFP-DD transceiver 102. In someinstances, the signals transmitted by the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 andthe OSFP connector may be of a matching type, encoding, encryption, orthe like such that the connectivity circuitry includes passive circuitryelements (e.g., electrical connections, traces, etc.) configured todirect electrical signals between the OSFP connector (not shown) and theQSFP-DD transceiver 102.

In other embodiments, the signals transmitted between the QSFP-DDtransceiver 102 and the OSFP connector (not shown) may utilize differentforms of encoding such that the connectivity circuitry may includeactive circuitry (e.g., a controller, a computing device, etc.)configured to convert between these signals to operably connect the OSFPconnector (not shown) and the QSFP-DD transceiver 102. In such anembodiment, the connectivity circuitry may be embodied in any number ofdifferent ways and may, for example, include one or more processingdevices configured to perform independently. Furthermore, theconnectivity circuitry (e.g., controller) may be understood to include asingle core processor, a multi-core processor, and/or the like. By wayof example, the connectivity circuitry (e.g. controller) may beconfigured to execute instructions stored in a memory or otherwiseaccessible to one or more processors of the connectivity circuitry (e.g.controller). Alternatively or additionally, the connectivity circuitry(e.g. controller) may be configured to execute hard-coded functionality.As such, whether configured by hardware or by a combination of hardwarewith software, the connectivity circuitry (e.g. controller) mayrepresent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry) capable ofperforming operations according to an embodiment of the presentinvention while configured accordingly.

Example Methods for Network Communication

With reference to FIG. 5 , a method for network communication andconnection preclusion is illustrated. The method (e.g., method 500) mayinclude the step of monitoring, via the connectivity circuitry, a secondend 206 of the adapter housing 202 that receives the QSFP-DD transceiver102 therein at operation 505. As described above, the inner connector210 may include connectivity circuitry configured to, in the operationalconfiguration, operably connect the OSFP connector (not shown) and theQSFP-DD transceiver 102 such that signals may flow therebetween. In someinstances, the connectivity circuitry may include passive circuitryelements (e.g., electrical connections, traces, etc.) configured todirect electrical signals. In such an embodiment, the monitoring by theconnectivity circuitry at operation 502 may refer to the identificationof electrical signals within the plurality of legacy connection pads 402and/or plurality of QSFP-DD connection pads 404. Said differently,operation 505, in some embodiments, may be responsive to the receipt ofa QSFP transceiver (or noncompliant transceiver as described hereafter)in that the passive connectivity circuitry components monitor the secondend 206 of the adapter housing 202 by determining the presence ofelectrical signals received from the QSFP-DD connector 214. In instancesin which the connectivity circuitry includes active circuitry elements(e.g., a controller), operation 505 may refer to interrogatory signal(s)transmitted by the connectivity circuitry to the QSFP-DD connector 214in order to monitor the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202.

The method 500 may include the step of determining, the connectivitycircuitry, the con the presence of a noncompliant transceiver receivedby the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202 at operation 510. Asdescribed above, the backwards compatibility of QSFP-DD connectorsallows for legacy transceivers (e.g., prior hardware components thathave been superseded in functionality) to be physically inserted into aQSFP-DD connector 214 in an operable fashion. These legacy transceivers,however, are noncompliant transceivers in that they result in reducedbandwidth for the networking communication adapter 200 due to theability to only utilize four (4) of the available eight (8) transmissionlanes. Noncompliant transceivers may include, for example, QSFPtransceivers, QSFP+ transceivers, QSFP28 transceivers, and QSFP56transceivers. At operation 510, the connectivity circuitry may beconfigured to identify the presence of a noncompliant transceiverreceived by the second end 206 by identifying an absence of connectivityassociated with at least one QSFP-DD connection pad 404.

By way of example, a QSFP transceiver may be physically inserted intothe adapter housing 202 via the second end 206 and connect with one ormore of the legacy connection pads 402. Due to the reduced number ofelectrical transmission lanes; however, the QSFP transceiver is unableto connect to the QSFP-DD connection pads 404. Furthermore, the lengthof these noncompliant or legacy transceivers (e.g., QSFP, QSFP+, QSFP28,QSFP56, etc.) is reduced due to the lack of additional electricaltransmission lanes associated with QSFP-DD transceivers such that thenoncompliant or legacy transceiver is unable to electrically connectwith the QSFP-DD connection pads 404 when received by the second end206. As such, the determination at operation 510 may include identifyingthe absence of connectivity (e.g., an absence of electrical signals,current, etc.) with at least one QSFP-DD connection pad 404 indicatingthat the transceiver received by the second end of the adapter housing202 is not a QSFP-DD transceiver 102 (e.g., is a noncomplianttransceiver).

With reference to operation 515, the method 500 may include the step ofprecluding, via the connectivity circuitry, communication between thenoncompliant transceiver determined at operation 510 and a first end 204of the adapter housing 202 that engages the OSFP connector (not shown).In some embodiments, the connectivity circuitry may be configured toground a connection to at least one legacy connection pad 402, therebypreventing power to the noncompliant transceiver identified at operation510. In an instance in which the connectivity circuitry includes passivecircuitry elements (e.g., electrical connections, traces, etc.), theconnectivity circuitry may include resistors, capacitors, and/or othercircuitry components configured to ground the connection of thenoncompliant transceiver. By way of example, the absence of anelectrical connection with any of the plurality of QSFP-DD connectionpads 404 may be such that the electrical circuitry of the innerconnector 210 is open (e.g., incomplete such that current may not flowwithin the open circuit). In instances in which the connectivitycircuitry includes active circuitry components (e.g., a controller,processor, etc.), the connectivity circuitry may preclude communicationbetween the noncompliant transceiver and the first end 204 of theadapter housing 202 by preventing signals from passing therebetween. Forexample, a microcontroller may iteratively (e.g., at a detectionfrequency) monitor the connections with the inner connector 210 (e.g.,transmit an interrogatory signal or the like) to determine the presenceof a noncompliant transceiver as described herein.

Although described herein with reference to grounding the connection toat least one legacy connection pad 402, the present disclosurecontemplates that other mechanisms may similarly be used to preventcommunication between a noncompliant transceiver and the first end 204of the adapter housing 202. By way of example, the connectivitycircuitry may be configured to hold the connection in reset, removepower to the adapter 200 (in whole or in part), preclude operation of acommunication bus, and/or the like. Said differently, the connectivitycircuitry described herein may be configured to employ any mechanism forpreventing communication of the adapter 200 in an instance in which anoncompliant transceiver is received.

With reference to FIG. 6 , an example circuitry diagram 600 of exampleconnectivity circuitry is illustrated. As shown, a power input 602 of,for example, 3.3 V is provided to the connectivity circuitry. Thecircuitry 600 includes an example legacy connection pad 402 and anexample QSFP-DD pad 404. In such an embodiment, the connectivitycircuitry may include logic components 604 that are configured todetermine the absence of connectivity associated with the QSFP-DDconnection pad 404 in order to determine the presence of a noncomplianttransceiver due to the inability of noncompliant transceivers toelectrically engage with the plurality of QSFP-DD connection pads 404.The logic components 604 may be configured to preclude communicationbetween the first end 204 (and the OSFP connector engaged therewith) andthe noncompliant transceiver by resetting or otherwise grounding thecircuitry 600 such that electrical signals are unable to passtherethrough. In doing so, the connectivity circuitry of the innerconnector 210, for example circuitry 600, may prevent the inefficienciesassociated with connecting legacy transceiver modules with emerging highbandwidth connectivity solutions. Said differently, method 500 andexample circuitry 600 may operate to indicate, to an operator orotherwise, the presence of a noncompliant transceiver and prompt such anoperator to replace the noncompliant transceiver with a QSFP-DDtransceiver.

Example Method of Manufacture

With reference to FIG. 7 , a method of manufacturing a networkingcommunication adapter according to embodiments of the present disclosureis illustrated. The method (e.g., method 700) may include the step ofproviding an adapter housing at operation 705. As described above, theadapter housing 202 may, in some embodiments, be formed of a bottombackshell 203, a top backshell 201, and an inner cage 208. The bottombackshell 203 may engage or otherwise connect with the top backshell 201to substantially enclose the components described herein. The combinedbottom backshell 203 and top backshell 201 may further support the innercage 208 within the adapter housing 202. In other embodiments, theadapter housing 202 may be formed of a single piece of material. Theadapter housing may be formed by any method (e.g., extrusion, machining,injection molding, casting, etc.) and may similarly be formed of anymaterial used in networking communication systems (e.g., metals,polymers, alloys, etc.).

The method 700 may also include defining a first end configured toengage an OSFP connection at operation 710. As described above, thefirst end 204 may be configured to engage or otherwise physicallyconnect the adapter housing 202 with an OSFP connector. Applicable OSFPregulations or standards may define the physical dimensions, size, andshape of OSFP transceiver/modules and associated OSFP connectorsconfigured to receive OSFP transceiver/modules. As such, the first end204 of the adapter housing 202 may be dimensioned (e.g., sized andshaped) to comply with the regulations or standards that govern OSFPconnections. In an operational configuration, the first end 204 mayprovide physical engagement between the adapter housing 202 and an OSFPconnector (not shown).

The method 700 may also include defining a second end opposite the firstend configured to receive a QSFP-DD transceiver therein at operation715. The second end 206 of the adapter housing 202 may be configured toengage or otherwise physically connect the adapter housing 202 with anQSFP-DD transceiver 102. In particular, the second end 206 of theadapter housing 202 may be configured to receive the QSFP-DD transceiver102 inserted therein. As described above, applicable QSFP-DD regulationsor standards may define the physical dimensions, size, and shape ofQSFP-DD transceiver/modules and associated QSFP-DD connectors configuredto receive QSFP-DD transceiver/modules. As such, the second end 206 ofthe adapter housing 202 may be dimensioned (e.g., sized and shaped) tocomply with the regulations or standards that govern QSFP-DDconnections. In an operational configuration, the second end 206 mayprovide physical engagement between the adapter housing 202 and theQSFP-DD transceiver 102.

The method 700 may also include positioning an inner connector withinthe adapter housing at operation 720. The inner connector 210 mayinclude a printed circuit board (PCB) 212 proximate the first end 204 ofthe adapter housing 202. In an instance in which the first end 204 ofthe adapter housing 202 engages the OSFP connector (not shown), the PCB212 may be configured to operably connect the inner connecter 210 withthe OSFP connector (not shown). The PCB 212 may further be positioned bythe inner connector 210 proximate the first end 204 of the adapterhousing 202 so as to electrically connect with corresponding electricalcontacts, connection pads, traces, or the like of an OSFP connector (notshown). Said differently, the physical engagement between the first end204 of the adapter housing 202 and the OSFP connector (not shown)positions the PCB 212 of the inner connector 210 for engagement with acorresponding connection of the OSFP connector (not shown).

The inner connector may further include a QSFP-DD connector 214proximate the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202, configured to,in the operational configuration, operably couple the inner connector210 with the QSFP-DD transceiver 102. In an instance in which the secondend 206 of the adapter housing 202 receives the QSFP-DD transceiver 102,QSFP-DD connector 214 may be configured to operably connect the innerconnector 210 with the QSFP-DD transceiver 102. The QSFP-DD connector214 may be at least partially disposed within the inner cage 208proximate the second end 206 of the adapter housing such that physicalengagement between the second end 206 of the adapter housing 202 (e.g.,the inner cage 208) and the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 positions theQSFP-DD connector 214 of the inner connector 210 for receipt of acorresponding printed circuit board (PCB) 106 of the QSFP-DD transceiver102. As described above, the inner connector 210 may be defined so suchthat the QSFP-DD connector 214 is configured to receive a correspondingPCB 106 of the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 such that the PCB 214 of theinner connector 210 and the PCB 106 of the QSFP-DD transceiver 102 aresubstantially aligned or are further coplanar.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A networking communication adaptercomprising: an adapter housing defining: a first end configured toengage an Octal Small Form Factor Pluggable (OSFP) connector; and asecond end opposite the first end configured to receive a Quad SmallForm Factor Pluggable Double Density (QSFP-DD) transceiver therein,wherein the second end of the adapter housing is only operable with aQSFP-DD transceiver; and an inner connector positioned within theadapter housing and configured to, in an operational configuration inwhich the first end engages the OSFP connector and the second endreceives the QSFP-DD transceiver, operably connect the QSFP-DDtransceiver with the OSFP connector such that signals may passtherebetween.
 2. The networking communication adapter according to claim1, wherein the inner connector further comprises: a printed circuitboard (PCB) proximate the first end of the adapter housing configuredto, in the operational configuration, operably connect the innerconnector with the OSFP connector; and a QSFP-DD connector proximate thesecond end of the adapter housing, configured to, in the operationalconfiguration, operably couple the inner connector with the QSFP-DDtransceiver.
 3. The networking communication adapter according to claim2, wherein the QSFP-DD connector is configured to receive acorresponding PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver such that the PCB of theinner connector and the PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver are substantiallyaligned.
 4. The networking communication adapter according to claim 2,wherein the QSFP-DD connector is configured to receive a correspondingPCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver such that the PCB of the inner connectorand the PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver are coplanar.
 5. The networkingcommunication adapter according to claim 1, wherein the second end ofthe adapter housing is inoperable with a Quad Small Form FactorPluggable (QSFP), Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable+(QSFP+), Quad SmallForm Factor Pluggable 28 (QSFP28), Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable 56(QSFP56) transceiver, or Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable 112 (QSFP112)transceiver.
 6. The networking communication adapter according to claim2, wherein the QSFP-DD connector further comprises a plurality of legacyconnection pads and a plurality of QSFP-DD connections pads configuredto, in an operational configuration, operably connect the QSFP-DDtransceiver with the inner connector.
 7. The networking communicationadapter according to claim 6, wherein the inner connector furthercomprises connectivity circuitry configured to determine the presence ofa noncompliant transceiver received by the second end of the adapterhousing by identifying an absence of connectivity associated with atleast one QSFP-DD connection pad.
 8. A method of manufacturing anetworking communication adapter, the method comprising: providing anadapter housing defining: a first end configured to engage an OctalSmall Form Factor Pluggable (OSFP) connector; and a second end oppositethe first end configured to receive a Quad Small Form Factor PluggableDouble Density (QSFP-DD) transceiver therein, wherein the second end ofthe adapter housing is only operable with a QSFP-DD transceiver; andpositioning an inner connector within the adapter housing configured to,in an operational configuration in which the first end engages the OSFPconnector and the second end receives the QSFP-DD transceiver, operablyconnect the QSFP-DD transceiver with the OSFP connector such thatsignals may pass therebetween.
 9. The method according to claim 8,wherein the inner connector further comprises: a printed circuit board(PCB) proximate the first end of the adapter housing configured to, inthe operational configuration, operably connect the inner connector withthe OSFP connector; and a QSFP-DD connector proximate the second end ofthe adapter housing, configured to, in the operational configuration,operably couple the inner connector with the QSFP-DD transceiver. 10.The method according to claim 9, wherein the QSFP-DD connector isconfigured to receive a corresponding PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiversuch that the PCB of the inner connector and the PCB of the QSFP-DDtransceiver are substantially aligned.
 11. The method according to claim9, wherein the QSFP-DD connector is configured to receive acorresponding PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver such that the PCB of theinner connector and the PCB of the QSFP-DD transceiver are coplanar. 12.The method according to claim 8, wherein the second end of the adapterhousing is inoperable with a Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable (QSFP),Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable+(QSFP+), Quad Small Form FactorPluggable 28 (QSFP28), Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable 56 (QSFP56)transceiver, or Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable 112 (QSFP112)transceiver.
 13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the QSFP-DDconnector further comprises a plurality of legacy connection pads and aplurality of QSFP-DD connections pads configured to, in an operationalconfiguration, operably connect the QSFP-DD transceiver with the innerconnector.
 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the innerconnector further comprises connectivity circuitry configured todetermine the presence of a noncompliant transceiver received by thesecond end of the adapter housing by identifying an absence ofconnectivity associated with at least one QSFP-DD connection pad.
 15. Acomputer program product comprising at least one computer-readablestorage medium having computer program code thereon that, in executionwith at least one processor, configures the computer program productfor: monitoring a second end of an adapter housing, wherein the secondend is configured to receive a Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable DoubleDensity (QSFP-DD) transceiver therein; determining the presence of anoncompliant transceiver received by the second end of the adapterhousing; and precluding communication between the noncomplianttransceiver and a first end of the adapter housing configured to engagean Octal Small Form Factor Pluggable (OSFP) connector.
 16. The computerprogram product according to claim 15, in monitoring the second end ofthe adapter housing, is further configured for monitoring a plurality oflegacy connection pads and a plurality of QSFP-DD connection pads of aQSFP-DD connector positioned proximate the second end of the adapterhousing.
 17. The computer program product according to claim 16, inprecluding communication between the noncompliant transceiver and thefirst end of the adapter housing, is further configured for grounding aconnection to at least one legacy connection pad.
 18. The computerprogram product according to claim 15, wherein the noncomplianttransceiver comprises a Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable (QSFP), QuadSmall Form Factor Pluggable+(QSFP+), Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable 28(QSFP28), Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable 56 (QSFP56) transceiver, QuadSmall Form Factor Pluggable 112 (QSFP112) transceiver.
 19. The computerprogram product according to claim 15, wherein the second end of theadapter housing is only operable with a QSFP-DD transceiver.